The two-day event, widely recognized as the world's highest frozen lake marathon and a Guinness World Record holder, featured a range of distances including 5 km, 10 km, a 21 km half-marathon, and the grueling 42 km full marathon. The "Ladakh Scouts" regiment of the Indian Army emerged as the undisputed stars of the competition, leveraging their legendary high-altitude conditioning to sweep the podium across several categories. Naik Tsering Nurboo claimed the coveted first-place finish in the men's 42 km full marathon, while Tsering Stobgais and Khadim Hussain secured the silver and bronze spots, respectively. In the women’s 10 km category, Yeshi Sangdol delivered a standout performance to claim the top spot, followed by Tashi Dolkar and Rinchen Dolker.
The logistics of the race, organized by The Thin Ice Adventure in collaboration with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and the Indian Army, were a feat of engineering and safety planning. To ensure the safety of participants running on "water," teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and the Ladakh Mountain Guide Association conducted rigorous ice-thickness tests for weeks leading up to the start. Military medical units and the ITBP provided specialized high-altitude health support, with oxygen stations and heating points positioned every few kilometers along the frozen expanse.
Beyond the competitive element, the marathon—themed "The Last Run"—served as a sobering environmental clarion call. Organizers emphasized that as global warming accelerates, the thick ice of Pangong Tso is becoming increasingly precarious, suggesting a future where such races may no longer be possible. The event also served a strategic administrative purpose, showcasing the "Vibrant Villages" initiative. By bringing international attention and tourism to remote border hamlets like Maan and Lukung, the government aims to bolster local economies and fortify civilian presence in frontier regions where military disengagement occurred in 2021.
The successful conclusion of the 2026 marathon solidifies Ladakh’s position as a premier destination for sustainable winter tourism and high-stakes adventure. As the final runners crossed the finish line in Maan village, the event transcended sport, standing as a testament to human resilience and a reminder of the fragile beauty of the Himalayan ecosystem.
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